More Than Paper: The Power of a Greeting Card

Unsplash [Photo by Ranurte]

If you know me well, you know this: I love greeting cards. It’s one of my favorite hobbies, and honestly, one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I often say, if I don’t get any gifts for my birthday or the holidays, just give me a well-chosen card; one that speaks from the heart. That alone will do it.

Why? Because words are powerful. They can heal, they can hurt, they can lift someone out of a dark place or leave them there. As someone who loves to write and express ideas through the written word, I deeply admire those who dedicate their talents to crafting and designing greeting cards. These people are genuine artists of emotion, crafting phrases and feelings that deeply connect with the human experience.They act as translators of the soul, transforming complex feelings into simple yet deep messages that can touch hearts and foster connections. Each card they create is not just a piece of paper; it is a vessel carrying the weight of emotions, memories, and shared experiences.

Not everyone is gifted with the ability to articulate their thoughts and feelings, whether through writing or speaking. This is where greeting cards play a pivotal role in bridging that gap. They provide a means for individuals to express sentiments that might otherwise remain unspoken, allowing people to share love, gratitude, sympathy, or congratulations in a tangible form.

These cards mean a great deal to me, so they’re stored in a dedicated spot in the closet. The goal for the upcoming year is to organize them by year and occasion, pairing each with photos and captions to bring the memories to life. Some favorites of mine may even find their way into gallery-style displays. Hopefully, time allows for this project to unfold it’s one I’m truly looking forward to.

Along with the greeting cards I receive, I also gather the ones my children and husband get. Some of these cards date back to 2005. They're not just mementos — they're like time capsules. Much like we browse through old photos, whether physical or digital, I go through these cards to relive the moments: birthdays, graduations, farewell parties, Christmas mornings, and other special moments.

One person who truly understands the power of a card is my husband, Ty. For the past two decades, he has consistently chosen cards that speak directly to my heart, cards that make me laugh, cry, reflect, and feel deeply loved. He doesn’t just grab one off the shelf. He searches for the one that says exactly what he feels, and somehow, what I need to hear. That’s a gift in itself.

Unsplash [Photo by Matea G]

Today marks our 21st wedding anniversary, a season in our journey together that invites reflection and celebration of the journey we have embarked upon together. As I sit down to share this part of my heart, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and nostalgia, thinking back on the years we have spent side by side. What a journey it’s been; full of love, growth, challenges, and grace. Each year has added a new chapter to our story, filled with moments that have shaped us into who we are today. From the early days of our marriage, when each moment felt like a new adventure, to the deep connection we now share, our relationship has grown through years of laughter, challenges, and love. I thank the Lord God for every step, every card, and every moment.

And thank you to my husband, the man who knows how to speak love through ink and paper.

Thanks for reading!

Yours in the Faith

MKO